And Some Airplanes Are Not Just For Display Any More

For years, Kissimmee Gateway airport was known affectionately as "Bombertown USA".  Visitors could see WWII bombers being restored back to their former glory.  Those days are returning to Kissimmee but now visitors will not only be able to see these great planes but fly in them as well.  Spring 2010 will see the migration of bombers and other warbirds to the Kissimmee Air Museum.

In March, the beautifully polished B-25 Panchito will return to Kissimmee Gateway Airport and "Bombertown USA" where it was restored 15 years ago.  It will be stationed at the Kissimmee Air Museum for both static tours and flights. Larry Kelley restored the B-25J as "Panchito". He and his crew now fly Panchito for the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation; preserving and sharing the history of the 396 Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group, 7th Air Force, stationed in the Central Pacific that it served with.

The B-25 was produced in greater numbers than any other American twin-engine combat aircraft and was one of the most famous twin-engine medium bombers used during World War II. It achieved worldwide fame on 18 April 1942 when sixteen B-25's, under the command of LtCol Jimmy Doolittle, were launched from the aircraft carrier, Hornet, and attacked Tokyo and other Japanese cities in a daring raid. Owner, Larry Kelley, has flown in many Doolittle Raid commemorations including flying some of the "Raiders" in his B-25.

Opportunities to fly in this great bomber are few and far between but on April 2, 3 and 4, 2010 flights will be available in Panchito taking off from the Kissimmee Air Museum. Individuals can experience history up close and personal for a $400.00 donation per passenger. Seating is limited, first come-first serve for the Crew Chief "jump seat" behind the pilot/copilot, 2 seats under the top turret, and 2 waist gunner seats.

Another VIP (Very Important Plane) will be visiting the museum this spring, Collings Foundations' B-25J "Tondelayo". This Pacific War Princess will be offering to make the dream of flying a Mitchell from the right seat possible. Half-hour flight training is available for $2000.00 while the Mitchell is based at the Kissimmee Air Museum. If interested, contact the Kissimmee Air Museum at 407-870-7366 for more information.

 
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The Collings Foundation is dedicated to preserving and sharing aviation history. Their Wings of Freedom Nationwide Tour is a living history display and flying museum that offers tours and flights their Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and North American P-51C Mustang. The Collings Foundation's F4U-5 Corsair has been on display at the Kissimmee Air Museum during the Wings of Freedom's Tour winter hiatus.

FMI: www.collingsfoundation.org